30 Dec. 1944 (Saturday)

Dearest Kitten:

Received letter #160 in which you were asking me to forgive you for being so neglectful in writing. Sweetheart, I understand how it is around Xmas time and so I will forgive you.

Who am I to talk? It seems like yesterday that I wrote last, but I know that it was Tuesday. It is wonderful to have such an understanding wife. She never gives me heck for not writing as often as she thinks I should. Lately it seems as though my time is always taken up.

It bothers me not to be able to write as often as I would like. Knowing how I feel when I do not get any mail for a long time, I can appreciate how you feel.

Thursday night we had the company party and everyone had a marvelous time. We started off with a chicken dinner, with the company band supplying a background of music. After the meal we cleared the floor and the hostesses started arriving. We had dancing for about an hour and a half, and then a bit of entertainment. The Master of Ceremonies wanted to use me as his dummy so I agreed. He explained what he wanted in two minutes and we let it go at that. Without any practice we did O.K. The men got a kick out of me being up there.

Letters #161+2 were just delivered with one from Roland. Your letters made me homesick as hell. From your letters I presume that you are very lonesome, the same as I am. How I only wish that I could take you in my arms and tell you how much that I love you. What I need most in the world right now is you. There is nothing wrong with me that you could not cure. What I am trying to tell you is how much that I love you.

Enclosed is another edition of the Beach comber, with an account of the party. I am not certain whether it is because I am the most popular 1st Sgt in the Battalion or the most feared, but I always seem to get into print.

I had a man from one of the other companies tell me that he would rather meet the Colonel or the Major in town than to meet me if he is out of uniform. It gives me a good feeling to know that the men respect me for the fact that I do my duty, no matter what.

This may sound funny, but over here the accepted thing to do over Xmas is to go to the beach. It has been very hot and I have been melting by inches.

Well Beautiful I must close with all my love. Give my regards to everyone & kiss the babies for me.

I love you with all my heart, Sweetheart.

Your Loving Devoted & Faithful Husband,

Bob